Claire Josephine Peterson of Wardensville, WV passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 22, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in McKeesport, Pa. on March 14, 1927, to the parents of John and Monica Yerkey. Her loving husband, Jack R. Peterson preceded her in death February 24, 1992.
She was the youngest and last member of her immediate family. Her deceased siblings included Joseph W. Yerkey (Pa.), Theodore E. Yerkey (Pa/Ca.), Anthony W. Yerkey (Pa.), Matthew W. Yerkey (Ca.), Julian Yerkey (Pa.), Helen L. Lis (Pa.), Benjamin T. Yerkey (France), Ann M. Domingo (Pa.), Kathryne E. Wolf (Pa.), Andrew D. Yerkey (Pa.), and Edward J. Yerkey (France), and her grandson Nathan A. Peterson (Mi.) Her only living in-laws are Ada Materne of Florida and Mary Lou Davis of Ohio.
Claire is survived by her children Bob A. Peterson (Terri) of Ormond Beach, Fl. and Karen M. Mathias (Jim) of Wardensville, WV, her grandson John P. Mathias (Alexandra) of Petersburg, WV, her granddaughter Andrea Berard (Joshua) of Fl. and great-grandchildren Noah and Sage Berard of Florida. She will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, and especially by Linda Fine (Terry) and Patti Scott.
Claire was always an inspiration and a role model. It was said “Claire is a good person.” Since her mother died when Claire was very young, she devoted her life to being the best Mom she could be. Using her keen mind, common sense, and many talents, she prided herself in being a homemaker and mother where she encouraged and supported her family – Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, and American Legion.
Her financial and organizational skills were amazing. For over thirty years she entertained family and friends at their cottage at Yough Lake in Pa. In her spare time Claire played bridge and golf both in Pa. and in WV. She was an avid fan of the Steelers and Commanders and enjoyed watching golf tournaments on TV.
Upon her husband’s early retirement Jack and Claire traveled in their motor home along the eastern coast making friends along the way to Florida from January to April, vacationed at Yough Lake May to September, and was with her family at home for the many holidays and in-between times.
Claire enjoyed traveling to California with her sister Ann, and to Hawaii, Michigan, and Florida with her husband. She accompanied her grandson John to Kansas City, Missouri, traveled with friends to Alaska and across the U.S., and with her daughter and grandson to Disney World Florida, France, Switzerland, and Italy to name a few.
In 2000 she moved to West Virginia. Here she became active in the Moonlighters Home Extension Club, was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 2102, and treasurer for the Wardensville Library. Claire had a strong religious belief and attended Epiphany Catholic Church in Moorefield where she volunteered whenever needed. Claire enjoyed attending community activities such as the Lion’s Club functions and various local oyster dinners. In her spare time her yard blossomed with her flowers from her gentle touch.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Loy-Giffin Funeral Home and Crematorium. A Catholic mass for Claire will be held at Epiphany Catholic Church in the future. Claire’s family would like to thank Grant Memorial Hospice for their support and comfort.
Donations can be made in her honor to the Hospice Promise Foundation, c/o Grant Memorial Hospice, 100 Hospital Drive, Suite 2, Petersburg, WV 26847 or Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 2029 State Rd 55, 26836.
